By Olivia Miwil
KOTA KINABALU: Capture and translocation is not a long-term solution to addressing human-wildlife conflict.
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal said the method merely shifts the problem elsewhere without addressing its root causes.
He said the ministry and the Sabah Wildlife Department have continuously taken appropriate measures to address conflicts involving Bornean elephants, wild boars, monkeys and other wildlife that affect agricultural activities and farmers' livelihoods.
"The state government is strengthening a comprehensive mitigation strategy through greater public awareness, community participation and the use of more effective preventive measures to reduce conflict risks.
"The approach adopted is based on the behaviour, ecology and causes of conflict for each species, as well as the conditions of the affected areas."
Dr Andi said this when replying to Arunarnsin Taib (Warisan-Gum Gum), who asked about the government's immediate and long-term measures to address attacks by wild elephants, wild boars, monkeys and other wildlife that frequently damage crops and affect farmers in the Gum Gum constituency.
He said the Sabah Wildlife Department is implementing several species-specific measures.
For monkey-related conflicts, controlled population reduction is carried out in selected areas, primarily to manage zoonotic disease risks and protect public safety.
For wild elephants, satellite collars have been fitted to selected individuals to monitor their movements and habitat use.
"The data collected helps the department understand elephant migration routes and plan more effective mitigation measures, including providing early warnings to at-risk communities."
To address elephant conflict, Dr Andi said the department has established Elephant Ranger teams in conflict hotspots, enabling faster responses on the ground while improving communities' capacity to manage conflicts.
"For conflicts involving wild boars, the department undertakes control measures in accordance with existing laws and based on risk assessments and complaints received from affected areas."
Meanwhile, replying to a tourism-related question from Alias Sani (Warisan-Sekong), Dr Andi said the Sabah Tourism Board markets Sekong as part of the wider Sandakan tourism experience.
Among its initiatives is the promotion of Kampung Bambangan Community-Based Tourism, which offers homestay experiences, visits to soft-shell crab farms, fishing activities and river cruises through the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, complementing Sandakan's tourism packages.
"Through these initiatives, the ministry is confident that ecotourism development in Sekong will create more employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for local communities while strengthening sustainable economic growth."
Responding to Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari (Gagasan-Tempasuk), Dr Andi said the proposal to recognise the Kota Belud Tamu as a Unesco World Heritage Site requires comprehensive study and preparation and would take considerable time.
Among the key requirements are comprehensive studies on both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, documentation of heritage resources, including related historical structures or remains, preparation of strong historical and scientific evidence, and demonstration of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) in accordance with Unesco criteria.
"In addition, any nomination must first undergo identification, documentation and recognition at both the state and national levels in accordance with existing heritage legislation and mechanisms before it can be considered for submission to Unesco."
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